‘Cabbies allowed to operate through any aggregator app’

Panaji: Govt notified the Goa Transport Aggregator Guidelines, 2025, on Tuesday. The draft guidelines, aimed at regulating ride-hailing services, will allow taxi drivers to operate through any aggregator app of their choice using govt-notified rates, comply with safety and fare regulations, and offer health insurance to drivers.

According to the notification, the passenger shall be charged a tariff for a minimum of 3km for every journey booked on the aggregator app. The aggregator shall guarantee that the owner receives at least the fare as prescribed by govt for every journey.

“The aggregator shall not make any deductions from the fare receivable by the owner and ensure that all the payments to the owner are settled within 72 hours from the completion of the journey,” the notification reads.

Aggregators shall be required to submit annual compliance reports to the transport department before 30 working days after the end of the year. Unlicensed operations or violation of licence conditions shall result in a penalty of Rs 50,00,000 and blacklisting of the person or aggregator. Violation of fare regulations may result in a penalty of Rs 5,00,000 per instance. “The transport department shall oversee the implementation of the guidelines through regular audits and inspections,” the notification reads.

Govt has rolled out a series of incentives to encourage vehicle owners to join aggregator apps, with a special focus on promoting female participation in the industry. One of the standout initiatives is the reimbursement of insurance premiums for vehicle owners who meet certain milestones. For those who complete 500 trips on aggregator apps in a year, govt will cover 50% of the insurance premium paid, with a cap of Rs 20,000. If a female driver completes 500 trips in a year, she will be eligible for 100% reimbursement of the insurance premium paid, up to a maximum of Rs 30,000.

In electric vehicles, female owner-cum-drivers can avail themselves of a Rs 1,00,000 subsidy when purchasing a new electric motor cab. For those opting for electric motorbikes or electric autorickshaws, govt is offering a Rs 20,000 subsidy.

Govt has also extended its support to the aggregator companies, as aggregators that have at least 20% of their fleet driven by female drivers will be eligible for a 100% waiver on the renewal fee.